Jane Fender Obituary

The Honorable Jane Dowling Fender

September 17, 1946 – December 21, 2025

The Honorable Jane Dowling Fender of Beaufort, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025. She was 79.

Jane lived a life marked by quiet courage, steady devotion, and compassionate service. Her kindness, practical wisdom, and gentle humor touched the lives of many, leaving a legacy of warmth and integrity that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Born in Beaufort, South Carolina, Jane was the oldest of five children of Joab M. Dowling and Katharine D. Dowling. She loved Beaufort not only for its beauty, but also for the deep roots and lifelong relationships it made possible, relationships she cherished throughout her life.

After completing her undergraduate education, Jane devoted herself to raising a family and serving her community. Jane later returned to school, earned her Juris Doctor, and was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in May 1985. After building a successful practice, she ran for the bench and was elected to serve on the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Family Court in May 1994. Judge Fender served for 23 years, full-time until 2008 and part-time until 2017. She was widely admired for placing the best interest of the child at the center of every decision. Following her service on the bench, she remained active in the legal community through mediation, helping families resolve difficult matters with dignity and mutual understanding.

Beyond the courtroom, Jane was a devoted steward of Beaufort's civic and cultural life. She was a proud member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church (formerly St. Helena's Episcopal Church) and gave generously of her time in church and community service. Jane was proud to be a founding member of the fictitious Crabgrass Society. She was a lifelong member of the Beaufort Female Benevolent Society, and supported groups such as the Literacy Council, Boys & Girls Club, CAPA, Coastal Speech & Hearing Clinic, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, and the South Carolina Bar Foundation.

Jane delighted in needlework and quilting, gardening, travel, cooking, and entertaining. She frequently donated her work to support local charities. She also enjoyed membership in national craft organizations, including the American Needlepoint Guild and the Embroidery Guild of America, and valued the friendships those communities brought into her life.

Jane is survived by her two sons, Sherwood Fender, Jr. and Addison D. Fender (Tracy), her sister May Dowling Peach (Tom) and three grandsons, Jay Dowling Fender, Daniel Tunks, and Cole Jackson Fender. She is also survived by her partner Jim Ardwan of Beaufort. Jane was predeceased by her sister, Lou D. Davis, and her two brothers, Joab M. Dowling, Jr. and John D. Dowling.

Service information: The family will receive friends on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5-7pm at Anderson Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00am in The Baptist Church of Beaufort with burial in the churchyard.

The family invites all to gather afterward at the Sea Island Best Western, Dolphin Room, to celebrate Jane's life.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Rector's Discretionary Fund. Gifts to the Beaufort Female Benevolent Society, another organization dear to Jane, are also welcomed.